Hairpin pre-alignment clamp

Abstract

A hairpin pre-alignment clip, comprising: an inner ring; an outer ring spaced radially outward from the inner ring; a plurality of radial members disposed radially between the inner ring and the outer ring and defining a plurality of gaps; and an inner alignment mechanism disposed on the inner ring. The inner alignment mechanism includes a plurality of inner alignment members configured to align an innermost layer of the plurality of hairpin members received in the plurality of gaps. The hairpin pre-alignment jig further includes an outer alignment mechanism disposed on the outer ring, and the outer alignment mechanism includes a plurality of outer alignment members configured to align an outermost layer of the plurality of hairpins received in the plurality of gaps.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0126455, filed on September 21, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a hairpin pre-alignment jig that enables a hairpin to be pre-aligned before being inserted into a stator core. Background Art

[0004] The motor may include a stator assembly arranged in a motor housing and a rotor assembly rotatable relative to the stator assembly. The stator assembly may have a stator core and a stator coil wound around the stator core.

[0005] Some motors (such as drive motors for environmentally friendly vehicles) may adopt a hairpin stator, and the hairpin stator may include a stator core having a plurality of slots and a plurality of hairpin-shaped pieces inserted into the slots. Each hairpin-shaped piece may be a conductor. A plurality of hairpin-shaped pieces may be connected in a conductive manner so that a plurality of hairpin-shaped pieces may form a stator coil. Unlike conventional annular coils having a circular cross-section, the hairpin-shaped piece may be formed to have a quadrilateral cross-section (e.g., a rectangular cross-section), and the hairpin-shaped piece is characterized in that the dead zone within the slot of the stator core is minimized and the space factor of the stator coil is maximized.

[0006] Each slot of the stator core may extend in the radial direction of the stator core, and the plurality of hairpins inserted into each slot may be arranged in multiple layers in the radial direction of the stator core. The model (type) of the hairpin stator may be defined according to the number of layers of the hairpins.

[0007] When the number of layers of hairpin-shaped pieces inserted into each slot is six, the model can be defined as a 6-layer hairpin-shaped stator. The 6-layer hairpin-shaped stator includes a first layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a second layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a third layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a fourth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a fifth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, and a sixth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces arranged in sequence from the innermost side of each slot to the outermost side of each slot. The first layer of hairpin-shaped pieces located at the radial innermost side of each slot is the innermost layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, and the sixth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces located at the radial outermost side of each slot is the outermost layer of hairpin-shaped pieces.

[0008] When the number of layers of hairpin-shaped pieces inserted into each slot is eight, the model can be defined as an 8-layer hairpin-shaped stator. The 8-layer hairpin-shaped stator includes a first layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a second layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a third layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a fourth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a fifth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a sixth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a seventh layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, and an eighth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, which are arranged in sequence from the innermost side of each slot to the outermost side of each slot. The first layer of hairpin-shaped pieces located at the radial innermost side of each slot is the innermost layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, and the eighth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces located at the radial outermost side of each slot is the outermost layer of hairpin-shaped pieces.

[0009] When the number of layers of hairpin-shaped pieces inserted into each slot is ten, the model can be defined as a 10-layer hairpin-shaped stator. The 10-layer hairpin-shaped stator includes a first layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a second layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a third layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a fourth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a fifth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a sixth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a seventh layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, an eighth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, a ninth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, and a tenth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, which are arranged in sequence from the innermost side of each slot to the outermost side of each slot. The first layer of hairpin-shaped pieces located at the radial innermost side of each slot is the innermost layer of hairpin-shaped pieces, and the tenth layer of hairpin-shaped pieces located at the radial outermost side of each slot is the outermost layer of hairpin-shaped pieces.

[0010] The hairpin winding method may include the following steps: forming the hairpin into a specific shape; pre-aligning the formed hairpin using a pre-alignment fixture corresponding to the hairpin stator model; inserting (press-fitting) the pre-aligned hairpin into the slot of the stator core; and twisting and welding the bottom end of the hairpin.

[0011] In the pre-alignment step, multiple hairpin-shaped pieces can be aligned mainly in the following ways: multiple hairpin-shaped pieces made by a hairpin-shaped piece forming machine can be stacked in a box; multiple hairpin-shaped pieces stacked in the box can be inserted into the clamp box in turn; the hairpin-shaped pieces located at the ends of the clamp box can be inserted into the pre-alignment fixture in turn by a robot according to the form of the fixture.

[0012] The pre-alignment fixture may have a plurality of alignment slots corresponding to the slots of the corresponding model of hairpin stator. In other words, the alignment slots of the pre-alignment fixture may have a shape and size that is the same as or similar to the shape and size of the slots of the corresponding model of hairpin stator. For example, the alignment slots of the pre-alignment fixture corresponding to a 6-layer hairpin stator may have a shape and size that is the same as or similar to the shape and size of the slots of the 6-layer hairpin stator. The alignment slots of the pre-alignment fixture corresponding to an 8-layer hairpin stator may have a shape and size that is the same as or similar to the shape and size of the slots of the 8-layer hairpin stator. The alignment slots of the pre-alignment fixture corresponding to a 10-layer hairpin stator may have a shape and size that is the same as or similar to the shape and size of the slots of the 10-layer hairpin stator.

[0013] In other words, the alignment groove of the pre-alignment fixture has a specific shape and size corresponding to the model of the hairpin stator (6-layer hairpin stator, 8-layer hairpin stator, 10-layer hairpin stator, etc.). Therefore, a plurality of pre-alignment fixtures can be provided to match different models of hairpin stators, respectively.

[0014] Since a plurality of pre-alignment jigs are provided to match various models of hairpin stators respectively, a storage device or a separate space may be required in a workshop to store a plurality of pre-alignment jigs, which may increase the manufacturing cost of the hairpin stator. In addition, it may take time to replace the pre-alignment jig suitable for the corresponding model of the hairpin stator in the pre-alignment step, which may reduce the productivity of the hairpin stator.

[0015] The above information described in this Background section is provided to help understand the background of the present inventive concept and may include any technical concepts that are not considered to be the prior art known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the invention

[0016] The present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art while leaving the advantages achieved by the prior art unaffected.

[0017] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a hairpin pre-alignment jig designed to change the inner and outer diameters of an annular space between an inner ring and an outer ring, thereby flexibly responding to various models (types) of hairpin stators.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a hairpin-shaped pre-alignment fixture may include: an inner ring-shaped member; an outer ring-shaped member radially spaced outward from the inner ring-shaped member; and a plurality of radial members radially arranged between the inner ring-shaped member and the outer ring-shaped member and configured to define a plurality of gaps. The hairpin-shaped pre-alignment fixture may also include an inner alignment mechanism arranged on the inner ring-shaped member. The inner alignment mechanism includes a plurality of inner alignment members configured to align the innermost hairpin-shaped member among a plurality of hairpin-shaped members received in a plurality of gaps. In addition, the hairpin-shaped pre-alignment fixture may include an outer alignment mechanism arranged on the outer ring-shaped member. The outer alignment mechanism includes a plurality of outer alignment members configured to align the outermost hairpin-shaped member among a plurality of hairpin-shaped members received in a plurality of gaps.

[0019] The plurality of inner alignment members may be configured to move in a radial direction of the inner annulus.

[0020] The inner alignment mechanism may include: an inner housing disposed on the inner ring; and an inner cam rotatably mounted on the center of the inner housing. The plurality of inner alignment members may be configured to move radially in the inner housing by rotation of the inner cam.

[0021] The inner cam may have a plurality of first cam surfaces and a plurality of second cam surfaces alternately arranged along an outer surface of the inner cam. A distance between the first cam surface and a center of the inner cam may be different from a distance between the second cam surface and a center of the inner cam.

[0022] The inner housing may have a plurality of guide blocks disposed on a top surface of the inner housing. Each of the plurality of guide blocks may be configured to guide movement of each of the plurality of inner alignment members.

[0023] Each inner alignment member of the plurality of inner alignment members may be biased radially inwardly by a biasing member.

[0024] Each biasing member may be disposed between each corresponding inner alignment member and the inner housing.

[0025] The inner housing may have an annular wall disposed at an outer periphery of the inner housing. Each inner alignment member may have a protrusion protruding from a bottom surface of the inner alignment member, and each biasing member may be disposed between the protrusion of each corresponding inner alignment member and the annular wall of the inner housing.

[0026] The inner alignment mechanism may include an upper inner alignment unit configured to align the upper portion of the innermost hairpin-shaped member and a middle inner alignment unit configured to align the middle portion of the innermost hairpin-shaped member. The middle inner alignment unit may be connected to the upper inner alignment unit via a connecting shaft.

[0027] The plurality of outer alignment members may be configured to move in a radial direction within the outer annulus.

[0028] The outer alignment mechanism may include: an outer housing fixed to a top surface of the outer ring; and an outer cam rotatably mounted on an outer peripheral edge of the outer housing. The plurality of outer alignment members may be configured to move radially in the outer housing by rotation of the outer cam.

[0029] The outer cam may have a plurality of first cam surfaces and a plurality of second cam surfaces alternately arranged along an inner peripheral edge of the outer cam. A distance between the first cam surface and a center of the outer cam may be different from a distance between the second cam surface and a center of the outer cam.

[0030] The hairpin pre-alignment fixture may further include a plurality of guide pins configured to guide movement of the plurality of outer alignment members. Each of the plurality of guide pins may extend radially in the outer housing.

[0031] Each of the plurality of outer alignment members may be biased radially outwardly by a biasing member.

[0032] Each biasing member may be disposed between each respective one of the plurality of outer alignment members and the outer housing.

[0033] The outer shell may have an annular wall disposed at an inner peripheral edge of the outer shell. Each of the plurality of outer alignment members may have a protrusion protruding from a bottom surface of the outer alignment member, and each biasing member may be disposed between the protrusion of each corresponding outer alignment member of the plurality of outer alignment members and the annular wall of the outer shell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 A perspective view of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 A plan view of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

[0038] Figure 4 Shown as Figure 3 An enlarged view of the upper inner alignment unit shown in;

[0039] Figure 5 Shown along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

[0040] Figure 6 Shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG.

[0041] Figure 7 A cross-sectional perspective view of an upper inner housing of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0042] Figure 8 A cross-sectional perspective view of an intermediate inner housing of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0043] Fig. 9 A perspective view showing an intermediate cover of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig.10 A top perspective view of a first upper inner alignment member and a first intermediate inner alignment member of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0045] Fig.11A bottom perspective view showing a first upper inner alignment member and a first intermediate inner alignment member of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig.12 A top perspective view showing a second upper inner alignment member and a second intermediate inner alignment member of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig.13 A bottom perspective view showing a second upper inner alignment member and a second intermediate inner alignment member of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Fig.14 Shows Figure 3 An enlarged view of the intermediate inner alignment unit, the outer alignment unit, the outer ring and the inner ring shown in;

[0049] Fig.15 Shown along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG.

[0050] Fig.16 Shows Fig.15 An enlarged view of the middle inner alignment unit shown in;

[0051] Fig.17 A plan view showing an outer cam of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig.18 A cross-sectional perspective view of an outer shell of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0053] Fig.19 An outer alignment member of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0054] Fig. 20 A cross-sectional perspective view showing an inner ring and a plurality of radial members of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig.21 A front view showing an inner ring and a plurality of radial members of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Fig. 22 A cross-sectional perspective view showing a guide ring and a plurality of radial members of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Fig.23A front view showing a guide ring and a plurality of radial members of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0058] Fig.24 A cross-sectional perspective view of an outer ring of a hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the size of the elements, the thickness of the lines, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity. In addition, since the terms used herein are defined by considering the functions of the elements in the present disclosure, these terms may vary according to the intention, practice, etc. of the user or operator. Therefore, the meaning of these terms should be understood based on the entire context of the present disclosure.

[0060] The elements in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be described using terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b). These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and the inherent characteristics, order or sequence of the corresponding elements, etc. are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms or scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Those terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as the textual meaning in the relevant field, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning, unless clearly defined as such in the present application.

[0061] When a component, device, element, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device or element should be considered herein as being "configured to" satisfy the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0062] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a hairpin pre-alignment fixture may include an inner ring 11 and an outer ring 12 radially outwardly spaced from the inner ring 11. Since the outer ring 12 is radially outwardly spaced from the inner ring 11, an annular space may be formed between the inner ring 11 and the outer ring 12.

[0063] A plurality of radial members 13 may be radially arranged between the inner annular member 11 and the outer annular member 12. Each radial member 13 may extend in a radial direction between the outer surface of the inner annular member 11 and the inner surface of the outer annular member 12, and a plurality of gaps 15 may be defined between the plurality of radial members 13. Fig. 20, a plurality of radial members 13 may extend outwardly from the outer surface of the inner annular member 11 in a radial direction. Fig.21 , each gap 15 may be defined between two adjacent radial members 13. The gap 15 may be formed to be slightly larger than the maximum width of the hairpin-shaped member so as to receive various different types of hairpin-shaped members. For example, the width of the hairpin-shaped member used in a 6-layer hairpin-type stator may be 3.48 mm, the width of the hairpin-shaped member used in an 8-layer hairpin-type stator may be 3.27 mm, and the width of the hairpin-shaped member used in a 10-layer hairpin-type stator may be 3.21 mm. In other words, the hairpin-shaped member used in a 6-layer hairpin-type stator has the largest width. The width w1 of the gap 15 may be 4 mm, which is slightly larger than 3.48 mm.

[0064] refer to Figure 3 and Fig.14 The hairpin-shaped member pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a guide ring 14 disposed on the inner ring member 11. The outer diameter of the guide ring 14 may be equal to or similar to the outer diameter of the inner ring member 11. Fig. 22 and Fig.23 , a plurality of radial members 14a may extend radially from the outer surface of the guide ring 14, and a gap 14b may be formed between two adjacent radial members 14a. The width w2 of the gap 14b defined between the radial members 14a of the guide ring 14 may be the same as the width w1 of the gap 15 defined between the radial members 13 of the inner annular member 11.

[0065] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example is shown in which each gap 15 receives a 6-layer hairpin-shaped member group 1 used in a 6-layer hairpin type stator. The 6-layer hairpin-shaped member group 1 may include a first layer of hairpin-shaped members 1a, a second layer of hairpin-shaped members 1b, a third layer of hairpin-shaped members 1c, a fourth layer of hairpin-shaped members 1d, a fifth layer of hairpin-shaped members 1e, and a sixth layer of hairpin-shaped members 1f. Since the first layer of hairpin-shaped members 1a is located at the radially innermost side of each gap 15, it may be the innermost layer of hairpin-shaped members 1a. Since the sixth layer of hairpin-shaped members 1f is located at the radially outermost side of each gap 15, it may be the outermost layer of hairpin-shaped members 1f.

[0066] refer to Figure 3 , the inner annular member 11 may be supported on the base 19 by the support member 16, and the support pad 17 may be annularly disposed at the edge of the support member 16. The support pad 17 may support the bottom ends of the plurality of hairpin-shaped members received in the plurality of gaps 15.

[0067] refer to Figure 3 and Fig.24, the outer annular member 12 may have an outer annular portion 12a formed at its outer peripheral edge. The outer annular portion 12a may extend annularly along the outer peripheral edge of the outer annular member 12. The height of the outer annular portion 12a may be less than the height of the outer annular member 12. The outer annular portion 12a may be elastically supported on the base 19 by a plurality of shafts 18a and a plurality of springs 18b. Each spring 18b may be arranged around a corresponding shaft 18a.

[0068] refer to Figure 1 The hairpin pre-alignment jig according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an inner alignment mechanism 10 configured to align the innermost hairpins among a plurality of hairpins received in a plurality of gaps 15 .

[0069] The inner alignment mechanism 10 may include an upper inner alignment unit 20 and a middle inner alignment unit 30. The upper inner alignment unit 20 may be configured to align the upper portion of the innermost hairpin-shaped member 1a, and the middle inner alignment unit 30 may be configured to align the middle portion of the innermost hairpin-shaped member 1a. The middle inner alignment unit 30 may be located below the upper inner alignment unit 20. Specifically, the middle inner alignment unit 30 may be integrally connected to the upper inner alignment unit 20 via a connecting shaft 51.

[0070] The upper inner alignment unit 20 may include an upper inner housing 23 and a plurality of upper inner alignment members 21 and 22. The plurality of upper inner alignment members 21 and 22 are configured to be movable relative to the inner ring 11 and the upper inner housing 23 in the radial direction.

[0071] The upper inner housing 23 may be located above the inner ring 11, and the outer diameter of the upper inner housing 23 may be equal to or similar to the outer diameter of the inner ring 11. Figure 7, the upper inner housing 23 may have a disc shape, and the upper inner housing 23 may include an annular wall 23a provided at an outer peripheral edge thereof. The annular wall 23a may extend annularly along the outer peripheral edge of the upper inner housing 23. In addition, the annular wall 23a may protrude upward from the outer peripheral edge of the upper inner housing 23. The upper inner housing 23 may have a plurality of retaining recesses 23b formed in the inner peripheral surface of the annular wall 23a, and the plurality of retaining recesses 23b may correspond to the plurality of upper inner alignment members 21 and 22, respectively. The upper inner housing 23 may have a plurality of guide blocks 26 protruding upward from a top surface thereof. The annular wall 23a may surround the plurality of guide blocks 26, and the plurality of guide blocks 26 may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the upper inner housing 23. The guide blocks 26 may be configured to guide radial movement of the upper inner alignment members 21 and 22. In addition, the upper inner housing 23 may further include a plurality of support blocks 27 arranged between the plurality of guide blocks 26. The plurality of support blocks 27 and the plurality of guide blocks 26 may be alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the upper inner housing 23. In addition, the upper inner housing 23 may have a through hole 23d provided in a central portion thereof, and the connecting shaft 51 may extend through the through hole 23d of the upper inner housing 23.

[0072] refer to Figure 5 , the upper inner alignment unit 20 may include an upper inner cam 24 rotatably mounted on the center of the upper inner housing 23. The upper inner cam 24 may have a plurality of first cam surfaces 24a and a plurality of second cam surfaces 24b formed on its outer surface. The plurality of first cam surfaces 24a and the plurality of second cam surfaces 24b may be alternately arranged along the outer surface of the upper inner cam 24. The distance r1 between the first cam surface 24a and the center of the upper inner cam 24 may be different from the distance r2 between the second cam surface 24b and the center of the upper inner cam 24. The first cam surface 24a may be curved with a predetermined radius of curvature, and the second cam surface 24b may be a flat surface. The distance r1 between the first cam surface 24a and the center of the upper inner cam 24 may be greater than the distance r2 between the second cam surface 24b and the center of the upper inner cam 24. Therefore, the first cam surface 24a may be located farther from the center of the upper inner cam 24 than the second cam surface 24b. The first cam surface 24a may protrude farther from the center of the upper inner cam 24 than the second cam surface 24b. The plurality of first cam surfaces 24a and the plurality of second cam surfaces 24b may be configured to selectively contact the plurality of upper inner alignment members 21 and 22 by rotation of the upper inner cam 24.

[0073] refer to Figure 7, each guide block 26 may have a curved guide surface 26a to match the first cam surface 24a of the upper inner cam 24. Each support block 27 may have a curved guide surface 27a to match the first cam surface 24a of the upper inner cam 24. Therefore, the rotation of the upper inner cam 24 may be guided along the guide surface 26a of the guide block 26 and the guide surface 27a of the support block 27.

[0074] The plurality of upper inner alignment members 21 and 22 may directly contact the upper portion of the innermost hairpin-shaped member 1a, thereby aligning the upper portion of the innermost hairpin-shaped member 1a. Figure 5 , the plurality of upper inner alignment members 21 and 22 may be configured to move radially in the upper inner housing 23 by the rotation of the upper inner cam 24. The radial movement of the plurality of upper inner alignment members 21 and 22 may be guided by the plurality of guide blocks 26. When the plurality of upper inner alignment members 21 and 22 move in the radial direction, the inner diameter of the annular space between the inner ring 11 and the outer ring 12 may be changed.

[0075] The plurality of upper inner alignment members 21 and 22 may include a plurality of first upper inner alignment members 21 and a plurality of second upper inner alignment members 22 alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the upper inner shell 23. The plurality of first upper inner alignment members 21 may be symmetrical about the center of the upper inner shell 23, and the plurality of second upper inner alignment members 22 may be symmetrical about the center of the upper inner shell 23. Each first upper inner alignment member 21 may be arranged between two adjacent second upper inner alignment members 22, and each second upper inner alignment member 22 may be arranged between two adjacent first upper inner alignment members 21. Figure 5 , the upper inner cam 24 may be disposed at the center of the upper inner housing 23, the two first upper inner alignment members 21 may be symmetrical about the center of the upper inner housing 23, and the two second upper inner alignment members 22 may be symmetrical about the center of the upper inner housing 23. When the upper inner cam 24 rotates, the two first upper inner alignment members 21 and the two second upper inner alignment members 22 may move in the radial direction of the upper inner housing 23.

[0076] The first upper inner alignment member 21 may have a protrusion 21a extending toward the center of the upper inner housing 23. Fig.10 and Fig.11 The protrusion 21a may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the first upper inner alignment member 21. The protrusion 21a may have a first end portion facing the center of the upper inner housing 23 and a second end portion facing the outer peripheral edge of the upper inner housing 23.

[0077] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11Each of the first upper inner alignment members 21 may have a cavity 21c defined in the protrusion 21a, and the cavity 21c may be open toward the center of the upper inner housing 23. A stop surface 21d may be provided in the cavity 21c, and the stop surface 21d may be adjacent to the second end portion of the protrusion 21a. Figure 5 , the cavity 21c of each of the plurality of first upper inner alignment members 21 may receive each corresponding guide block 26, and the length of the cavity 21c may be greater than the length of the corresponding guide block 26. Therefore, the radial movement of the first upper inner alignment member 21 may be guided by the guide block 26. The stop surface 21d of the cavity 21c of the first upper inner alignment member 21 may contact the guide block 26, so that the position of the first upper inner alignment member 21 may be limited by the stop surface 21d and the guide block 26.

[0078] The first upper inner alignment member 21 may have a contact surface 21b formed on a first end portion of the protrusion 21a. The contact surface 21b of the first upper inner alignment member 21 may selectively contact the first cam surface 24a and the second cam surface 24b of the upper inner cam 24 by the rotation of the upper inner cam 24. According to one embodiment, the contact surface 21b may be a curved surface having a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0079] The first upper inner alignment members 21 may be biased radially inward by a biasing member 29. According to one embodiment, the biasing member 29 may be a coil spring disposed between the annular wall 23a of the upper inner housing 23 and each of the first upper inner alignment members 21.

[0080] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The biasing member 29 may be disposed between the protrusion 21a of the first upper inner alignment member 21 and the annular wall 23a of the upper inner housing 23, so that the first upper inner alignment member 21 may be biased radially inward by the biasing member 29. Fig.11 , the first upper inner alignment member 21 may have a retaining recess 21f formed in a second end portion of the protrusion 21a. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the retaining recess 23b of the upper inner shell 23 can face the corresponding retaining recess 21f of the first upper inner alignment member 21, one end of the biasing member 29 can be supported to the retaining recess 21f of the first upper inner alignment member 21, and the other end of the biasing member 29 can be supported to the retaining recess 23b of the upper inner shell 23.

[0081] When the second cam surface 24b of the upper inner cam 24 contacts the central portion of the contact surface 21b of the first upper inner alignment member 21 by the rotation of the upper inner cam 24, the first upper inner alignment member 21 can be moved radially toward the inner side of the upper inner housing 23 by the extension of the biasing member 29 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), and the first upper inner alignment member 21 can be in a first position relatively close to the center of the upper inner shell 23.

[0082] When the first cam surface 24a of the upper inner cam 24 contacts the central portion of the contact surface 21b of the first upper inner alignment member 21 by the rotation of the upper inner cam 24, the first upper inner alignment member 21 can move radially toward the outside of the upper inner housing 23 (refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the biasing member 29 is compressed, the first upper inner alignment member 21 can move to a second position relatively away from the center of the upper inner housing 23.

[0083] Therefore, the plurality of first upper inner alignment members 21 may be moved in the radial direction by the rotation of the upper inner cam 24 .

[0084] The second upper inner alignment member 22 may have a protrusion 22a extending toward the center of the upper inner housing 23. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The protrusion 22a may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the second upper inner alignment member 22. The protrusion 22a may have a first end portion facing the center of the upper inner housing 23 and a second end portion facing the outer peripheral edge of the upper inner housing 23.

[0085] refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 Each second upper inner alignment member 22 may have a cavity 22c defined in the protrusion 22a, and the cavity 22c may be open toward the center of the upper inner housing 23. A stop surface 22d may be provided in the cavity 22c, and the stop surface 22d may be adjacent to the second end portion of the protrusion 22a. Figure 5 , the cavity 22c of the second upper inner alignment member 22 can receive the corresponding guide block 26, and the length of the cavity 22c can be greater than the length of the guide block 26. Therefore, the radial movement of the second upper inner alignment member 22 can be guided by the guide block 26. The stop surface 22d of the cavity 22c of the second upper inner alignment member 22 can contact the guide block 26, so that the position of the second upper inner alignment member 22 can be limited by the stop surface 22d and the guide block 26.

[0086] The second upper inner alignment member 22 may have a contact surface 22b formed on a first end portion of the protrusion 22a, and the contact surface 22b of the second upper inner alignment member 22 may selectively contact the first cam surface 24a and the second cam surface 24b of the upper inner cam 24 by the rotation of the upper inner cam 24. According to an embodiment, the contact surface 22b may be a curved surface having a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0087] The second upper inner alignment members 22 may be biased radially inward by a biasing member 29. According to one embodiment, the biasing member 29 may be a coil spring disposed between the annular wall 23a of the upper inner housing 23 and each second upper inner alignment member 22.

[0088] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The biasing member 29 may be disposed between the protrusion 22a of the second upper inner alignment member 22 and the annular wall 23a of the upper inner housing 23 so that the second upper inner alignment member 22 may be biased radially inward by the biasing member 29. Fig.13 , the second upper inner alignment member 22 may have a retaining recess 22f formed in a second end portion of the protrusion 22a. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the retaining recess 23b of the upper inner shell 23 can face the corresponding retaining recess 22f of the second upper inner alignment member 22, one end of the biasing member 29 can be supported to the retaining recess 22f of the second upper inner alignment member 22, and the other end of the biasing member 29 can be supported to the retaining recess 23b of the upper inner shell 23.

[0089] When the second cam surface 24b of the upper inner cam 24 contacts the central portion of the contact surface 22b of the second upper inner alignment member 22 by the rotation of the upper inner cam 24, the second upper inner alignment member 22 can be moved radially toward the inner side of the upper inner housing 23 by the extension of the biasing member 29 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), and the second upper inner alignment member 22 can be in a first position relatively close to the center of the upper inner shell 23.

[0090] When the first cam surface 24a of the upper inner cam 24 contacts the central portion of the contact surface 22b of the second upper inner alignment member 22 by the rotation of the upper inner cam 24, the second upper inner alignment member 22 can move radially toward the outside of the upper inner housing 23 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the biasing member 29 is compressed, the second upper inner alignment member 22 can move to a second position relatively away from the center of the upper inner housing 23.

[0091] Therefore, the plurality of second upper inner alignment members 22 may be moved in the radial direction by the rotation of the upper inner cam 24 .

[0092] When the plurality of first upper inner alignment members 21 and the plurality of second upper inner alignment members 22 move in the radial direction, both end portions of each first upper inner alignment member 21 may not interfere with both end portions of the adjacent second upper inner alignment member 22. Fig.10 , the first upper inner alignment member 21 may have a pair of guide surfaces 21e formed on both end portions thereof. Fig.12 , the second upper inner alignment member 22 may have a pair of guide surfaces 22e formed on both end portions thereof. Figure 1 , the guide surface 21e of the first upper inner alignment member 21 may be aligned with the guide surface 22e of the second upper inner alignment member 22, and the guide surface 21e of the first upper inner alignment member 21 may contact the guide surface 22e of the second upper inner alignment member 22. The radial movement of the first upper inner alignment member 21 and the radial movement of the second upper inner alignment member 22 may be accurately guided by the guide surface 21e of the first upper inner alignment member 21 and the guide surface 22e of the second upper inner alignment member 22.

[0093] The intermediate inner alignment unit 30 may include an intermediate inner casing 33 and a plurality of intermediate inner alignment members 31 and 32 that are movable in a radial direction relative to the inner ring 11 and the intermediate inner casing 33 .

[0094] The intermediate inner housing 33 may be located above the inner ring 11, and the outer diameter of the intermediate inner housing 33 may be equal to or similar to the outer diameter of the inner ring 11. Figure 3 and Fig.14 , the intermediate inner housing 33 can be secured to the guide ring 14 using a plurality of fasteners. Figure 8, the intermediate inner housing 33 may have a disc shape, and the intermediate inner housing 33 may include an annular wall 33a provided at an outer peripheral edge thereof. The annular wall 33a may extend annularly along the outer peripheral edge of the intermediate inner housing 33, and the annular wall 33a may protrude upward from the outer peripheral edge of the intermediate inner housing 33. The intermediate inner housing 33 may have a plurality of recesses 33b formed in an inner peripheral surface of the annular wall 33a, and the plurality of recesses 33b may be aligned with the plurality of intermediate inner alignment members 31 and 32, respectively. The intermediate inner housing 33 may have a plurality of guide blocks 36 protruding upward from a top surface thereof. The annular wall 33a may surround the plurality of guide blocks 36, and the plurality of guide blocks 36 may be spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the intermediate inner housing 33. The guide blocks 36 may be configured to guide radial movement of the intermediate inner alignment members 31 and 32. In addition, the intermediate inner housing 33 may further include a plurality of support blocks 37 arranged between the plurality of guide blocks 36. A plurality of support blocks 37 and a plurality of guide blocks 36 may be alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate inner housing 33. In addition, the intermediate inner housing 33 may have a columnar portion 33c extending downward from a central portion thereof. The columnar portion 33c may have a cavity 33d defined therein. A connecting shaft 51 and a lifting shaft 55, which will be further described below, may be received in the cavity 33d of the intermediate inner housing 33.

[0095] refer to Fig.14 , the middle inner alignment unit 30 may include a middle inner cam 34 rotatably mounted on the center of the middle inner housing 33. Fig.16 , the intermediate inner cam 34 may have a plurality of first cam surfaces 34a and a plurality of second cam surfaces 34b formed on its outer surface. The plurality of first cam surfaces 34a and the plurality of second cam surfaces 34b may be alternately arranged along the outer surface of the intermediate inner cam 34. The distance r3 between the first cam surface 34a and the center of the intermediate inner cam 34 may be different from the distance r4 between the second cam surface 34b and the center of the intermediate inner cam 34. The first cam surface 34a may be curved with a predetermined radius of curvature, and the second cam surface 34b may be a flat surface. The distance r3 between the first cam surface 34a and the center of the intermediate inner cam 34 may be greater than the distance r4 between the second cam surface 34b and the center of the intermediate inner cam 34. Therefore, the first cam surface 34a may be positioned farther away from the center of the intermediate inner cam 34 than the second cam surface 34b, and the first cam surface 34a may protrude more from the center of the intermediate inner cam 34 than the second cam surface 34b. The plurality of first cam surfaces 34 a and the plurality of second cam surfaces 34 b may be configured to selectively contact the plurality of intermediate inner alignment members 31 and 32 through rotation of the intermediate inner cam 34 .

[0096] refer to Figure 8, each guide block 36 may have a curved guide surface 36a to match the first cam surface 34a of the intermediate inner cam 34, and each support block 37 may have a curved guide surface 37a to match the first cam surface 34a of the intermediate inner cam 34. Therefore, the rotation of the intermediate inner cam 34 can be guided along the guide surface 36a of the guide block 36 and the guide surface 37a of the support block 37.

[0097] The plurality of intermediate inner alignment members 31 and 32 may directly contact the intermediate portion of the innermost hairpin-shaped member 1a, thereby aligning the intermediate portion of the innermost hairpin-shaped member 1a. Fig.16 , the plurality of intermediate inner alignment members 31 and 32 may be configured to move radially in the intermediate inner housing 33. The radial movement of the plurality of intermediate inner alignment members 31 and 32 may be guided by a plurality of guide blocks 36. When the plurality of intermediate inner alignment members 31 and 32 move in the radial direction, the inner diameter of the annular space between the inner ring member 11 and the outer ring member 12 may be changed.

[0098] The plurality of intermediate inner alignment members 31 and 32 may include a plurality of first intermediate inner alignment members 31 and a plurality of second intermediate inner alignment members 32 alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate inner shell 33. The plurality of first intermediate inner alignment members 31 may be symmetrical about the center of the intermediate inner shell 33. The plurality of second intermediate inner alignment members 32 may be symmetrical about the center of the intermediate inner shell 33. Each first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may be arranged between two adjacent second intermediate inner alignment members 32, and each second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may be arranged between two adjacent first intermediate inner alignment members 31. Fig.16 , the intermediate inner cam 34 may be disposed at the center of the intermediate inner housing 33, and the two first intermediate inner alignment members 31 may be symmetrical about the center of the intermediate inner housing 33, and the two second intermediate inner alignment members 32 may be symmetrical about the center of the intermediate inner housing 33. When the intermediate inner cam 34 rotates, the two first intermediate inner alignment members 31 and the two second intermediate inner alignment members 32 may move in the radial direction of the intermediate inner housing 33.

[0099] Each first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may have a protrusion 31a extending toward the center of the intermediate inner housing 33. Fig.10 and Fig.11 The protrusion 31a may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31. The protrusion 31a may have a first end portion facing the center of the intermediate inner housing 33 and a second end portion facing the outer peripheral edge of the intermediate inner housing 33.

[0100] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11Each first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may have a cavity 31c defined in the protrusion 31a, and the cavity 31c may be open toward the center of the intermediate inner housing 33. A stop surface 31d may be provided in the cavity 31c, and the stop surface 31d may be adjacent to the second end portion of the protrusion 31a. Fig.16 , the cavity 31c of each first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may receive a corresponding guide block 36 of the plurality of guide blocks 36, and the length of the cavity 31c may be greater than the length of the corresponding guide block 36. Therefore, the radial movement of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may be guided by the guide block 36. The stop surface 31d of the cavity 31c of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may contact the guide block 36, so that the position of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may be limited by the stop surface 31d and the guide block 36.

[0101] The first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may have a contact surface 31b formed on a first end portion of the protrusion 31a. The contact surface 31b of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may selectively contact the first cam surface 34a and the second cam surface 34b of the intermediate inner cam 34 by the rotation of the intermediate inner cam 34. According to an embodiment, the contact surface 31b may be a curved surface having a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0102] The first intermediate inner alignment members 31 may be biased radially inwardly by a biasing member 39. According to one embodiment, the biasing member 39 may be a coil spring disposed between the annular wall 33a of the intermediate inner housing 33 and each of the first intermediate inner alignment members 31.

[0103] refer to Fig.16 The biasing member 39 may be disposed between the protrusion 31a of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 and the annular wall 33a of the intermediate inner housing 33 so that the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may be biased radially inward by the biasing member 39. Figure 8 , the intermediate inner housing 33 may have a plurality of recesses 33b provided in the inner peripheral surface of the annular wall 33a. Fig.11 , the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may have a recess 31f formed in a second end portion of the protrusion 31a. Fig.16 , the recess 33b of the intermediate inner housing 33 may face the corresponding recess 31f of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31. One end of the biasing member 39 may be supported to the recess 31f of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31, and the other end of the biasing member 39 may be supported to the recess 33b of the intermediate inner housing 33.

[0104] When the second cam surface 34b of the intermediate inner cam 34 contacts the central portion of the contact surface 31b of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 by the rotation of the intermediate inner cam 34, the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 can be radially moved toward the inner side of the intermediate inner housing 33 by the extension of the biasing member 39 (see Fig.14 and Fig.16 P3 in the figure), and the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 can be in a first position relatively close to the center of the intermediate inner shell 33.

[0105] When the first cam surface 34a of the intermediate inner cam 34 contacts the central portion of the contact surface 31b of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 by the rotation of the intermediate inner cam 34, the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 can move radially toward the outside of the intermediate inner housing 33 (see Fig.14 and Fig.16 When the biasing member 39 is compressed, the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 can move to a second position relatively far from the center of the intermediate inner housing 33.

[0106] Therefore, the plurality of first intermediate inner alignment members 31 may be moved in the radial direction in the intermediate inner housing 33 by the rotation of the intermediate inner cam 34 .

[0107] The second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may have a protrusion 32a extending toward the center of the intermediate inner housing 33. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The protrusion 32a may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32. The protrusion 32a may have a first end portion facing the center of the intermediate inner housing 33 and a second end portion facing the outer peripheral edge of the intermediate inner housing 33.

[0108] refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 Each second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may have a cavity 32c defined in the protrusion 32a, and the cavity 32c may be open toward the center of the intermediate inner housing 33. A stop surface 32d may be provided in the cavity 32c, and the stop surface 32d may be adjacent to the second end portion of the protrusion 32a. Fig.16 , the cavity 32c of each second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may receive the corresponding guide block 36, and the length of the cavity 32c may be greater than the length of the corresponding guide block 36. Therefore, the radial movement of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may be guided by the guide block 36. The stop surface 32d of the cavity 32c of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may contact the guide block 36, so that the position of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may be limited by the stop surface 32d and the guide block 36.

[0109] The second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may have a contact surface 32b formed on a first end portion of the protrusion 32a. The contact surface 32b of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may selectively contact the first cam surface 34a and the second cam surface 34b of the intermediate inner cam 34 by the rotation of the intermediate inner cam 34. According to one embodiment, the contact surface 32b may be a curved surface having a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0110] The second intermediate inner alignment members 32 may be biased radially inward by a biasing member 39. According to one embodiment, the biasing member 39 may be a coil spring disposed between the annular wall 33a of the intermediate inner housing 33 and each of the second intermediate inner alignment members 32.

[0111] refer to Fig.16 The biasing member 39 may be disposed between the protrusion 32a of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 and the annular wall 33a of the intermediate inner housing 33 so that the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may be biased radially inward by the biasing member 39. Fig.13 , the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may have a recess 32f formed in a second end portion of the protrusion 32a. Fig.16 , the recess 33b of the intermediate inner housing 33 may face the corresponding recess 32f of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32. One end of the biasing member 39 may be supported to the recess 32f of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32, and the other end of the biasing member 39 may be supported to the recess 33b of the intermediate inner housing 33.

[0112] When the second cam surface 34b of the intermediate inner cam 34 contacts the central portion of the contact surface 32b of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 by the rotation of the intermediate inner cam 34, the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 can be radially moved toward the inner side of the intermediate inner housing 33 by the extension of the biasing member 39 (see Fig.14 and Fig.16 The second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may be in a first position relatively close to the center of the intermediate inner housing 33.

[0113] When the first cam surface 34a of the intermediate inner cam 34 contacts the central portion of the contact surface 32b of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 by the rotation of the intermediate inner cam 34, the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 can move radially toward the outside of the intermediate inner housing 33 (see Fig.14 and Fig.16 When the biasing member 39 is compressed, the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 can move to a second position relatively far from the center of the intermediate inner housing 33.

[0114] Therefore, the plurality of second intermediate inner alignment members 32 may be moved radially in the intermediate inner housing 33 by rotation of the intermediate inner cam 34 .

[0115] refer to Figure 3 and Fig.14 , the middle inner alignment unit 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a middle cover 35 covering the middle inner housing 33. Fig. 9 , the middle cover 35 may include a through hole 35a provided in a central portion thereof and a plurality of support blocks 35b protruding downward from a bottom surface thereof. The lifting shaft 55 and the connecting shaft 51 described further below may extend through the through hole 35a of the middle cover 35. The support blocks 35b of the middle cover 35 may be fixed to the support blocks 37 of the middle inner housing 33 using fasteners so that the middle cover 35 may be mounted on the middle inner housing 33.

[0116] When the plurality of first intermediate inner alignment members 31 and the plurality of second intermediate inner alignment members 32 move in the radial direction, both end portions of each first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may not interfere with both end portions of the adjacent second intermediate inner alignment member 32. Fig.10 , the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may have a pair of guide surfaces 31e formed on both end portions thereof. Fig.12 , the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may have a pair of guide surfaces 32e formed on both end portions thereof. Figure 1 , the guide surface 31e of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may be aligned with the guide surface 32e of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32. The guide surface 31e of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 may contact the guide surface 32e of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32. The radial movement of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 and the radial movement of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32 may be accurately guided by the guide surface 31e of the first intermediate inner alignment member 31 and the guide surface 32e of the second intermediate inner alignment member 32.

[0117] The inner alignment mechanism 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a connection shaft 51 connecting the upper inner alignment unit 20 and the middle inner alignment unit 30. The connection shaft 51 may integrally connect the middle inner cam 34 of the middle inner alignment unit 30 and the upper inner cam 24 of the upper inner alignment unit 20. Therefore, the middle inner cam 34 may rotate in the same direction together with the upper inner cam 24 through the connection shaft 51.

[0118] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the upper inner alignment unit 20 may include an upper cover 25 covering the upper inner cam 24. The upper cover 25 may have a hole 25a provided in a central portion thereof. The hole 25a may be formed to have a square, hexagonal, or octagonal shape. An operating tool such as a square wrench, a hexagonal wrench, or an octagonal wrench may be inserted into the hole 25a. When the operator turns the operating tool, the upper cover 25 may be manually rotated.

[0119] refer to Figure 6 , the upper inner alignment unit 20 may include at least one positioning pin 28a installed in at least one support block 27 of the upper inner housing 23. The positioning pin 28a may be biased upward by a spring 28b. The support block 27 may have a cavity defined therein, and the lower portion of the positioning pin 28a and the spring 28b may be arranged in the cavity of the support block 27. A support cover 28c may be installed on the upper inner housing 23 by a fastener to close the cavity of the support block 27.

[0120] refer to Figure 2 , the upper cover 25 may have at least two positioning holes 25b, and the two positioning holes 25b may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined gap. Specifically, the two positioning holes 25b may be spaced apart from each other at an angle corresponding to the angle between the first cam surface 24a and the second cam surface 24b of the upper inner cam 24. In addition, the first upper inner alignment member 21 and the second upper inner alignment member 22 may respectively have through holes corresponding to the positioning holes 25b.

[0121] When the plurality of first upper inner alignment members 21 contact any one of the first cam surface 24a and the second cam surface 24b of the upper inner cam 24 by the rotation of the upper inner cam 24, the positioning pin 28a can pass through the corresponding through holes of the upper inner alignment members 21 and 22 and be inserted into any one of the two positioning holes 25b. Therefore, the plurality of upper inner alignment members 21 and 22, the upper cover 25 and the upper inner cam 24 can be accurately positioned.

[0122] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the upper cover 25 may be fixed to the head portion 51a of the connecting shaft 51 by a plurality of fasteners. The upper inner cam 24 may be fixed to the head portion 51a of the connecting shaft 51 by a fixing pin 57. In addition, the middle inner cam 34 of the middle inner alignment unit 30 may be fixed to the lower portion of the connecting shaft 51 by a fixing pin 52.

[0123] Therefore, the upper cover 25, the upper inner cam 24, the connecting shaft 51 and the middle inner cam 34 can be integrally connected to each other. When the upper cover 25 rotates, the upper inner cam 24, the connecting shaft 51 and the middle inner cam 34 can rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the upper cover 25.

[0124] The height of the upper inner alignment unit 20 can be adjusted by the lifting shaft 55 and the holding mechanism (not shown). The lifting shaft 55 can be configured to elastically support the upper inner alignment unit 20. The top end of the lifting shaft 55 can be fixed to the upper inner housing 23 of the upper inner alignment unit 20 by a fastener. The lifting shaft 55 can have a cavity defined therein, and the connecting shaft 51 can be received in the cavity of the lifting shaft 55. The lifting shaft 55 can be elastically supported by a spring 56. The spring 56 can be arranged between the bottom end of the lifting shaft 55 and the base 19. The top end of the spring 56 can be supported to the bottom end of the lifting shaft 55, and the bottom end of the spring 56 can be supported to the base 19. Therefore, the upper inner alignment unit 20 can be elastically supported by the lifting shaft 55 and the spring 56. The lifting shaft 55 can have a pair of grooves 55a, and a part of the fixing pin 52 can be received in the groove 55a of the lifting shaft 55. Therefore, the lifting shaft 55 can move along the connecting shaft 51 through the pair of grooves 55a and the fixing pin 52.

[0125] When the plurality of first upper inner alignment members 21 and the plurality of second upper inner alignment members 22 move radially toward the inner side of the upper inner shell 23, and the plurality of first intermediate inner alignment members 31 and the plurality of second intermediate inner alignment members 32 move radially toward the inner side of the intermediate inner shell 33, the inner diameter of the annular space between the inner ring member 11 and the outer ring member 12 can be relatively reduced.

[0126] When the plurality of first upper inner alignment members 21 and the plurality of second upper inner alignment members 22 move radially toward the outside of the upper inner shell 23, and the plurality of first intermediate inner alignment members 31 and the plurality of second intermediate inner alignment members 32 move radially toward the outside of the intermediate inner shell 33, the inner diameter of the annular space between the inner ring member 11 and the outer ring member 12 can be relatively increased.

[0127] As described above, the upper inner alignment unit 20 and the middle inner alignment unit 30 of the inner alignment mechanism 10 can change the inner diameter of the annular space between the inner ring member 11 and the outer ring member 12, so that the hairpin-shaped member pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can accurately align the innermost hairpin-shaped member in response to various models (types) of hairpin-type stators.

[0128] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15The hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer alignment mechanism 40 configured to align the outermost hairpins among the plurality of hairpins received in the plurality of gaps 15. The outer alignment mechanism 40 may be disposed on the outer ring 12, and the outer alignment mechanism 40 may be spaced radially outward from the inner alignment mechanism.

[0129] The outer alignment mechanism 40 may include an outer housing 43 and a plurality of outer alignment members 41 that are movable in the radial direction relative to the outer ring 12 and the outer housing 43 .

[0130] The outer shell 43 may be fixed to the top surface of the outer ring 12, and the inner diameter of the outer shell 43 may be equal to or similar to the inner diameter of the outer ring 12. Fig.18 The outer shell 43 may have an annular shape, and the outer shell 43 may include an annular wall 43 a provided at an inner peripheral edge thereof. The annular wall 43 a may extend annularly along the inner peripheral edge of the outer shell 43 .

[0131] The outer shell 43 may have a plurality of openings 43d, and the plurality of openings 43d may correspond to the plurality of outer alignment members 41, respectively. The outer shell 43 may have a plurality of retaining recesses 43b formed in the outer peripheral surface of the annular wall 43a. The plurality of retaining recesses 43b may correspond to the plurality of outer alignment members 41, respectively. The outer shell 43 may have a plurality of inner peripheral recesses 43c formed in its inner peripheral edge, and the plurality of inner peripheral recesses 43c may correspond to the plurality of outer alignment members 41, respectively. The outer shell 43 may have a plurality of outer peripheral recesses 43e formed in its outer peripheral edge, and the outer peripheral recesses 43e may be aligned with the inner peripheral recesses 43c in the radial direction of the outer shell 43. The inner peripheral recesses 43c may be located below the retaining recesses 43b, and the retaining recesses 43b, the inner peripheral recesses 43c, and the outer peripheral recesses 43e may be aligned with the corresponding openings 43d.

[0132] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 The outer alignment mechanism 40 may include an outer cam 44 rotatably mounted on the outer peripheral edge of the outer housing 43. Fig.17, the outer cam 44 may have an annular shape and have a plurality of first cam surfaces 44a and a plurality of second cam surfaces 44b formed on its inner peripheral edge. The plurality of first cam surfaces 44a and the plurality of second cam surfaces 44b may be alternately arranged along the inner peripheral edge of the outer cam 44. The distance r5 between the first cam surface 44a and the center of the outer cam 44 may be different from the distance r6 between the second cam surface 44b and the center of the outer cam 44. According to one embodiment, the first cam surface 44a may be curved with a predetermined radius of curvature, and the second cam surface 44b may be a flat surface. The distance r5 between the first cam surface 44a and the center of the outer cam 44 may be greater than the distance r6 between the second cam surface 44b and the center of the outer cam 44. Therefore, the first cam surface 44a may be positioned farther from the center of the outer cam 44 than the second cam surface 44b. The plurality of first cam surfaces 44a and the plurality of second cam surfaces 44b may be configured to selectively contact the plurality of outer alignment members 41 by the rotation of the outer cam 44.

[0133] The plurality of outer alignment members 41 may be configured to align the outermost hairpins of the plurality of hairpins received in the plurality of gaps 15. Fig.14 , the plurality of outer alignment members 41 may be configured to move radially in the outer housing 43. The radial movement of the plurality of outer alignment members 41 may be guided by a plurality of guide pins 46. When the plurality of outer alignment members 41 move in the radial direction, the outer diameter of the annular space between the inner ring 11 and the outer ring 12 may be changed.

[0134] The plurality of outer alignment members 41 may be alternately arranged along a circumferential direction of the outer case 43 about the center of the outer case 43 .

[0135] refer to Fig.19 Each outer alignment member 41 may have a protrusion 41a protruding downward from a bottom surface thereof. The outer alignment member 41 may include a retaining recess 41b formed in an upper portion of the protrusion 41a and a guide hole 41c located below the retaining recess 41b. Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the protrusion 41 a of the outer alignment member 41 may be spaced apart radially outward from the annular wall 43 a of the outer housing 43 .

[0136] refer to Fig.14The outer alignment mechanism 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of guide pins 46 that respectively guide radial movement of the plurality of outer alignment members 41. Each guide pin 46 may extend in a radial direction of the outer shell 43 in a corresponding opening 43d of the outer shell 43. One end of the guide pin 46 may be engaged to an inner peripheral recess 43c of the outer shell 43, and the other end of the guide pin 46 may be engaged to an outer peripheral recess 43e of the outer shell 43. The guide pin 46 may extend through a guide hole 41c of the outer alignment member 41. The outer alignment member 41 may move in a radial direction of the outer shell 43 along the guide pin 46.

[0137] refer to Fig.15 , the protrusion 41 a of the outer alignment member 41 may selectively contact the first cam surface 44 a and the second cam surface 44 b of the outer cam 44 by the rotation of the outer cam 44 .

[0138] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 Each outer alignment member 41 can be biased radially outward by a biasing member 49. Fig.14 , the biasing member 49 may be a coil spring disposed between the annular wall 43a of the outer housing 43 and the protrusion 41a of the outer alignment member 41. The outer alignment member 41 may be biased radially outward by the biasing member 49. The retaining recess 43b of the outer housing 43 may face the corresponding retaining recess 41b of the outer alignment member 41. One end of the biasing member 49 may be supported to the retaining recess 43b of the outer housing 43, and the other end of the biasing member 49 may be supported to the retaining recess 41b of the outer alignment member 41.

[0139] When the first cam surface 44a of the outer cam 44 contacts the protrusion 41a of the outer alignment member 41 by the rotation of the outer cam 44, the outer alignment member 41 can be moved radially toward the outside of the outer housing 43 by the extension of the biasing member 49 (see Fig.14 and 15 The outer alignment member 41 may be in a first position relatively far from the center of the outer shell 43.

[0140] When the second cam surface 44b of the outer cam 44 contacts the protrusion 41a of the outer alignment member 41 by the rotation of the outer cam 44, the outer alignment member 41 can move radially toward the inside of the outer housing 43 (see Fig.14 and 15 When the biasing member 49 is compressed, the outer alignment member 41 can move to a second position relatively close to the center of the outer shell 43.

[0141] refer to Fig.17 , the outer cam 44 may have an engaging recess 44c formed in an outer peripheral edge thereof. Fig.14and Fig.15 , the handle 47 can be screwed into the engaging recess 44c. When the operator holds and rotates the handle 47 of the outer cam 44, the outer cam 44 can be manually rotated.

[0142] refer to Fig.17 , the outer cam 44 may have at least two positioning holes 44e and 44f formed in its outer peripheral edge. The two positioning holes 44e, 44f may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined gap. In particular, the first positioning hole 44e is aligned with the central portion of the first cam surface 44a, and the second positioning hole 44f is aligned with the central portion of the second cam surface 44b. Therefore, the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole 44e, 44f may be spaced apart at an angle corresponding to the angle between the first cam surface 44a and the second cam surface 44b of the outer cam 44. Reference Fig.14 and Fig.15 , an indexing plunger 48 may be mounted on the outer annular portion 12a of the outer annular member 12 via a mounting bracket 48b. The indexing plunger 48 may have a positioning pin 48a configured to move forward and backward.

[0143] When the plurality of outer alignment members 41 contact any one of the first cam surface 44a and the second cam surface 44b of the outer cam 44 by the rotation of the outer cam 44, the positioning pin 48a of the index plunger 48 can be inserted into any one of the two positioning holes 44e and 44f. Therefore, the outer alignment member 41 and the outer cam 44 can be accurately positioned.

[0144] When the plurality of outer alignment members 41 move radially toward the inside of the outer shell 43, the outer diameter of the annular space between the inner ring 11 and the outer ring 12 can be relatively reduced. When the plurality of outer alignment members 41 move radially toward the outside of the outer shell 43, the outer diameter of the annular space between the inner ring 11 and the outer ring 12 can be relatively increased. As described above, the outer alignment mechanism 40 can change the outer diameter of the annular space between the inner ring 11 and the outer ring 12, so that the hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can accurately align the outermost hairpin in response to various models (types) of hairpin stators.

[0145] As described above, the hairpin pre-alignment jig according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be designed to change the inner diameter and outer diameter of the annular space between the inner ring and the outer ring. Therefore, the hairpin pre-alignment jig can flexibly respond to various models of hairpin stators.

[0146] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper inner alignment unit and the middle inner alignment unit of the inner alignment mechanism can change the inner diameter of the annular space between the inner ring member and the outer ring member so that the hairpin-shaped member pre-alignment fixture can accurately align the innermost hairpin-shaped members in response to various models of hairpin-type stators.

[0147] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer alignment mechanism can change the outer diameter of the annular space between the inner ring and the outer ring so that the hairpin pre-alignment fixture can accurately align the outermost hairpins in response to various models of hairpin stators.

[0148] In the above, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and the accompanying drawings. On the contrary, various modifications and changes may be made by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure claimed in the appended claims.

[0149] Reference numerals:

[0150] 10: Internal alignment mechanism

[0151] 11: Inner ring

[0152] 12: External ring

[0153] 13: Radial member

[0154] 14: Guide ring

[0155] 15: Gap

[0156] 16: Support

[0157] 17: Support pad

[0158] 18a: Axis

[0159] 18b: Spring

[0160] 19: Pedestal

[0161] 20: Upper inner alignment unit

[0162] 21: First upper inner alignment member

[0163] 22: Second upper inner alignment member

[0164] 23: Upper inner shell

[0165] 24: Upper inner cam

[0166] 25: Upper cover

[0167] 26: Guide block

[0168] 27: Support block

[0169] 28a: Positioning pin

[0170] 29: Biasing member

[0171] 30: Middle inner alignment unit

[0172] 31: First intermediate inner alignment member

[0173] 32: Second intermediate inner alignment member

[0174] 33: Intermediate inner shell

[0175] 34: Middle inner cam

[0176] 35: Middle cover

[0177] 36: Guide block

[0178] 37: Support block

[0179] 39: Biasing member

[0180] 40: External alignment mechanism

[0181] 41: External alignment member

[0182] 43: Outer shell

[0183] 44: External cam

[0184] 46: Guide pin

[0185] 47: Handle

[0186] 48: Indexing plunger

[0187] 49: Biasing member

[0188] 51: Connecting shaft

[0189] 52: Fixed pin

[0190] 55: Lifting axis

[0191] 56: Spring

[0192] 57: Fixed pin

Claims

1. A hairpin-shaped member pre-alignment fixture, comprising: Internal ring member; an outer annular member spaced radially outward from the inner annular member; a plurality of radial members radially disposed between the inner annular member and the outer annular member and configured to define a plurality of gaps; an inner alignment mechanism disposed on the inner ring and comprising a plurality of inner alignment members, the plurality of the inner alignment members being configured to align the innermost hairpin-shaped members of the plurality of hairpin-shaped members received in the plurality of the gaps; as well as An outer alignment mechanism is disposed on the outer ring and includes a plurality of outer alignment members configured to align outermost hairpins of the plurality of hairpins received in the plurality of gaps.

2. The hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of inner alignment members are configured to move in a radial direction of the inner ring.

3. The hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to claim 1, wherein: The inner alignment mechanism comprises: an inner housing arranged on the inner ring; and an inner cam rotatably mounted on the center of the inner housing, and Wherein, the plurality of inner alignment members are configured to move radially in the inner housing by rotation of the inner cam.

4. The hairpin-shaped member pre-alignment fixture according to claim 3, wherein: The inner cam has a plurality of first cam surfaces and a plurality of second cam surfaces alternately arranged along an outer surface of the inner cam, and Wherein, a distance between the first cam surface of the inner cam and the center of the inner cam is different from a distance between the second cam surface of the inner cam and the center of the inner cam.

5. The hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to claim 3, wherein: The inner housing has a plurality of guide blocks disposed on a top surface of the inner housing, and Wherein, each of the plurality of guide blocks is configured to guide the movement of each of the plurality of inner alignment members.

6. The hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the plurality of inner alignment members is biased radially inwardly by a biasing member.

7. The hairpin-shaped member pre-alignment fixture according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the biasing members is disposed between each corresponding inner alignment member and the inner housing.

8. The hairpin-shaped member pre-alignment fixture according to claim 7, wherein: The inner housing has an annular wall disposed at an outer peripheral edge of the inner housing, wherein each of the inner alignment members has a protrusion protruding from a bottom surface of the inner alignment member, and Wherein, each of the biasing members is disposed between the protrusion of each corresponding inner alignment member and the annular wall of the inner housing.

9. The hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to claim 1, wherein: The inner alignment mechanism comprises: an upper inner alignment unit configured to align the upper portion of the innermost hairpin-shaped member; and a middle inner alignment unit configured to align the middle portion of the innermost hairpin-shaped member, and Wherein, the middle inner alignment unit is connected to the upper inner alignment unit via a connecting shaft.

10. The hairpin pre-alignment jig according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of outer alignment members are configured to move in a radial direction of the outer ring.

11. The hairpin pre-alignment fixture according to claim 1, wherein: The outer alignment mechanism includes: an outer shell fixed to the top surface of the outer ring; and an outer cam rotatably mounted on the outer peripheral edge of the outer shell, and Wherein, the plurality of outer alignment members are configured to move radially in the outer housing by rotation of the outer cam.

12. The hairpin pre-alignment jig according to claim 11, wherein: The outer cam has a plurality of first cam surfaces and a plurality of second cam surfaces alternately arranged along an inner peripheral edge of the outer cam, and Wherein, a distance between the first cam surface of the outer cam and a center of the outer cam is different from a distance between the second cam surface of the outer cam and a center of the outer cam.

13. The hairpin pre-alignment fixture of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of guide pins configured to guide movement of the plurality of outer alignment members, in, Each of the plurality of guide pins extends radially in the outer housing.

14. The hairpin pre-alignment jig according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the plurality of outer alignment members is biased radially outward by a biasing member.

15. The hairpin pre-alignment jig according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the biasing members is disposed between each corresponding one of the outer alignment members and the outer housing.

16. The hairpin pre-alignment jig according to claim 14, wherein: The outer shell has an annular wall disposed at an inner peripheral edge of the outer shell, wherein each of the outer alignment members has a protrusion protruding from a bottom surface of the outer alignment member, and Wherein, each of the biasing members is disposed between the protrusion of each corresponding outer alignment member and the annular wall of the outer housing.

Images